In November 1998, while driving around Montego Bay, Jah Cure was pulled over by the police and arrested on charges of gun possession, rape and robbery. He was prosecuted in April 1999, found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Since the arrest, Jah Cure has firmly maintained his innocence. Jah Cure is not scheduled to be released from jail until 2007 at the earliest.
While in prison he has had access to recording equipment and has released three albums and a number of singles, some of which have topped the Jamaican charts. His first album Free Jah’s Cure was released in 2000, it was followed by Ghetto Life in 2003 and Freedom Blues in 2005. More recently Jah Cure has released the songs 'Love is', 'Longing For' and 'True Reflections', showing his unique voice and lyrical ability.
BY TYRONE S REID Observer staff reporter reidt@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, July 29, 2007
From Jamaica Observer -- BY TYRONE S REID Observer staff reporter reidt@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, July 29, 2007:
After eight years "behind the prison walls" of the Tower Street Adult Correctional facility in Kingston, the day that he was "longing for" - his release - came yesterday, but not with the fanfare and flourish that many Jamaicans had highly anticipated.
During his time behind bars, reggae singer Jah Cure created headlines that won him legions of fans, many who started petitions advocating his release. But yesterday, the reggae artiste, born Siccature Alcock, who was scheduled to be released at 8:00 am, walked out of the maximum security prison minutes after 5:00 am, according to guards.
But even though Jah Cure's early morning release stumped his fans, as well as journalists, scores of chalice-carrying Rastafarians were at the prison gate to greet their 'brother', a senior warder told the Sunday Observer.
"Mi seh, some chalice bun out yah this morning. Ah nuff Rasta come out in di early morning. The one dem who hear bout the early release," the warder said. "Him walk out like Nelson Mandela and him greet some of the man them before the warden escort him away."
The senior warder, who spoke to some of the people who had gathered for the 8:00 am release, said the decision was made to prevent any commotion outside the prison gates.
"I am sorry to know that people came to see him and didn't get the chance. We had to try and avoid the crowd," the warder, dressed in a bright blue uniform, told the crowd, after declining to give his name.
Yesterday, the Sunday Observer received positive comments about Alcock's character while he was an inmate on the A-North block.
"He was a well-behaved inmate. We never have no problem with him," one worker at the prison said.
Another said: "Yes man, him just love him music. Him did alright."
One female warden agreed with her co-workers, before advising us to direct any further questions to "the head office".
In the meantime, several fans who refused to believe that their "artiste" had already left the compound set up camp outside and openly expressed their opinions about his imprisonment and subsequent release.
One female vendor outside the prison, who gave her name only as Miss Yvonne, told the Sunday Observer that Alcock received many visitors each month, the majority being females.
"Him get visitors from all over the world. The other day a white girl come here from France but him didn't take the visit," Miss Yvonne said. "Him go to prison go make him name. I hope that him learn him lesson and move on with him life," she said, adding that she heard that Jah Cure made a stop at Rockfort to "wash off" after leaving the prison.
Her other interesting comments, which had everyone cracking up, included: "Mi hear seh Jah Cure pay all warden rent when him did ovah deh."
One man who said he drove from St Thomas to witness the singer's release said he was very disappointed but wished Jah Cure all the best.
"Even though him have the whole world claim that them love him, him have to be careful," he said.
Another man, a broom vendor from Clarendon, said he wanted to get a glimpse of the man whose songs he can't get enough of.
Trisha, a female fan and a feelance photographer, said people should not judge Alcock as he was capable of making mistakes and changing like other humans.
"I believe that to each his own. If it wasn't time for him to be released, he wouldn't have been released. I just hope that he has learnt from the experience," she said.
Her friend, Kelly, added: "I think he deserved to be released. I just want to get to see him in person now. I hope he wil change too."
Alcock, who was born in Hanover in 1978, was reportedly given the name Jah Cure by Capleton whom he met while growing up in Kingston.
According to police reports, in November 1998, while driving around Montego Bay Alcock was pulled over by the police and arrested on charges of gun possession, rape and robbery. He was taken before the courts in April 1999, found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Since the arrest, Jah Cure has firmly maintained his innocence. The story surrounding his case dominated media headlines and barber shop conversations for months, leading to several "Free Jah Cure" campaigns.
While in prison, the singer had access to recording equipment and has released three albums and a number of singles, some of which have done well on local reggae charts. His debut album, Free Jah's Cure was released in 2000, and was followed by Ghetto Life (2003) and Freedom Blues (2005). His popular singles include True Reflections, Love is and Longing For. -- Jamaica Observer
Jah Cure performed for the first time in Holland from http://www.radioreggaetrade.com:
Jah Cure's first performance since his release from prison on July 28 has left a lasting impression on his European fans. On Sunday August 12 at the Reggae Sundance Festival in Eindhoven, Holland, Jah Cure performed in front of 20,000 persons who were longing for this day. Below are reports from journalists who were able to capture this historic moment.
"The field felt it. Jah Cure's performance at Reggae Sundance in Holland would become a historical moment. While the world was waiting for his release, Jah Cure has given hope to many with his music. With this in mind all his songs felt much more powerful. Longing For, What Will It Take, Jamaica and Prison Walls; he did them in his distinguished way of singing. Almost complaining as if he carries a heavy weight on his back. He reaches the high notes, even if he has to press them out of his toes. That's the way the crowd likes to hear him! He stood on stage dressed all in white with his sympathetic and relaxed attitude. Compared to other artists he's different in his stage performance. He shows a lot of tranquility. I think Holland was blessed with Jah Cure on the 12 th of August 2007." - Melvin Toemin, FunX FM, Rotterdam.
"The show was amazing. The best show I have ever been to. Jah Cure gave a strong performance... Amazing!" - Julian, www.Reggaephotos.de , Germany.
"Jah Cure's debut performance since his much publicised release from prison promised much, and for once the hype around an artistes performance delivered on all fronts. He seemed completely at home on stage and was greeted by a rapturous reception from the European crowd. His rapport with the audience was instantly noticeable, and with the majestic Dean Frazer leading the Iyah Cure Band it was hard to believe that this was not an outfit that had toured around Europe and the world for some time. And this was actually their first public outing! Cure's vocal performance was on point throughout, and his fans around the world have a treat in store when he visits their region." - Ray Paul, BBC 1Xtra, United Kingdom.
"The audience sang along line by line. The atmosphere was electrifying. In the run-up to the Reggae Sundance festival it was evident that most of the over 20,000 visitors travelled there because of Jah Cure. It was history in the making! Jamaica had Bob Marley, Jamaica had Garnett Silk and now Jamaica has Jah Cure, who is on the best way to becoming a superstar. That was the consensus after his outstanding, professional, winning performance, which was the crowning glory of the festival and which put tears in so many eyes because of the beauty of his voice and the circumstances surrounding his very first performance after over eight years in prison." - Ellen Kohlings, Riddim, Germany
Jamaican fans and journalists will have the opportunity to make their own judgments at Cure's next performance at Curefest, the 3-day event focusing on the work and music of Jah Cure to be held on October 12-14, 2007 in Oracabessa Bay, St. Mary, Jamaica.
check: freejahcure.net
Journey
Jah Cure Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Woah yeah
It nuh connect
A could a wah mek
Hey
Like dog to vomit
Moving so chronic
From morning me sew me seed and all now dem caan ketch
Trying hard to make ends meet
Can't mesh
Journey
It's how you live it you learn it
You bridges behind don't burn it
Mi wish mi can live and learn it
The Journey
It's how you live it you learn it
Your bridges behind don't burn it
Respect you live and earn it
Yeah
It's not a journey to get weak
Journey to give in
It's all about the journey
The journey within
The journey within
I'm coming from a far
Still have far to go
The journeys just begun
I'm like a shooting star
And that's where we can go
We've got a lot to overcome
And some battles to be won
Hey I
Journey
From you live it you learn it
Respect you live and earn it
Bridges behind don't burn it
The journey I
From you live it you learn it I
Bridges behind don't burn it
Respect you live and earn it
Long time it puzzle dem mind
Wondering how we do it
If you blind you nah go see it
We coming from a far
Ah we and dem used to par
But dem never strong
Couldn't trod along
Yeah
In dis ya journey
In dis ya journey
Yeah
The journey I
From you live it you learn it
Bridges behind don't burn it
U respect you live and earn it
The Journey
The Journey
From morning me sew me seed and all now dem caan ketch
Caan ketch
Trying hard to make ends meet
Can't mesh
Hey
Journey
You live it you learn it
The bridges behind don't burn it
Your respect you live and earn it
The Journey
The Journey
It's not a journey to get weak
Journey to give in
It's all about the journey
The journey within
The journey with
In Jah Cure's song Journey, the artist highlights the struggles and challenges that he has faced along his journey in life. The song evokes a sense of perseverance and resilience as he encourages listeners to never give up, regardless of the obstacles they may face. The opening lines of the song, "Yuh ready? Woah yeah, It nuh connect, A could a wah mek," allude to the idea that things may not always go according to plan, but one must keep pushing forward nonetheless.
Jah Cure uses the metaphor of a journey to emphasize the idea that life is a continuous process of learning and growing. He advises listeners to never burn bridges and to always show respect as they move forward on their individual paths. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of looking within oneself to find the strength and courage needed to overcome challenges. Jah Cure's message ultimately encourages listeners to keep striving towards their goals, knowing that every experience is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Line by Line Meaning
Yuh ready?
Are you ready?
Woah yeah
An expression of excitement and affirmation
It nuh connect
Things aren't connecting
A could a wah mek
I don't know why
Hey
An interjection of emphasis
Like dog to vomit
Acting impulsively, without thought
Moving so chronic
Moving heavily and slowly
From morning me sew me seed and all now dem caan ketch
I've been working hard, but others can't keep up
Caan ketch
They can't keep up
Trying hard to make ends meet
Struggling to get by financially
Can't mesh
Can't make it work
Journey
The path of life and one's personal growth and development
It's how you live it you learn it
You learn from your experiences in life
You bridges behind don't burn it
Don't ruin your relationships or connections with others
Mi wish mi can live and learn it
I wish I could fully experience and learn from life
Respect you live and earn it
Respect is earned by how you live your life
It's not a journey to get weak
Don't give up
Journey to give in
Don't let life defeat you
The journey within
The journey of self-discovery and personal growth
I'm coming from a far
I've come a long way in my journey of life
Still have far to go
My journey is just beginning
The journeys just begun
I have a lot left to experience in life
I'm like a shooting star
I'm moving quickly and with passion
And that's where we can go
There are endless possibilities in life
We've got a lot to overcome
There will be challenges in life
And some battles to be won
There are victories to be achieved
Long time it puzzle dem mind
Others have been confused by my journey
Wondering how we do it
Curious about how we manage despite the challenges
If you blind you nah go see it
If you're not open to the journey, you won't understand it
Ah we and dem used to par
We used to socialize with these people
But dem never strong
They weren't strong enough to continue the journey with us
Couldn't trod along
They couldn't keep up
You live it you learn it
Experience is the best teacher
U respect you live and earn it
You earn respect by living your life with integrity
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Ultra Tunes, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JON HOPKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kat B
So powerful !! We should all be proud of OUR Journey XOXO
MyStic MiNdz
Love jah cure. All his song has a message
bane otit
he makes me cry when i hear hes songs .he sings from hes heart u cane see it in hes eyes.
stefano archer
real music for the mind and soul......all of his songs have an outstanding message #respect to the cure
Guda ibra
stefano archer a true dat
C. S. White
stefano archer He's on another vibrational level. Takes a certain mindset to decipher and absorb his words. Love him!!!
Sarah Williams
Give thanks for the message Jah Cure bring. Been thru nuff hard times but keep moving forward on this here journey. Blessed love!
Carissa Gibbs
Dis song inspires me also touches my heart!! Big up Jah cure
James Daniels
Bigups to you Bro. strong message in this!
Marva Mendez
I hear this song two days ago and cant stop listening to it, it solid like a rock, respect cure